How much does camping cost at Whittaker Creek Recreation Site?

Camping fees at Whittaker Creek Recreation Site range from $20-$40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Whittaker Creek Recreation Site first-come first-served or reservation?

Whittaker Creek Recreation Site accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Whittaker Creek Recreation Site before I book?

Yes! Whittaker Creek Recreation Site has 19 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Whittaker Creek Recreation Site?

Whittaker Creek Recreation Site is open May 16, 2025 - September 28, 2025; May 22, 2026 - September 06, 2026. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Whittaker Creek Recreation Site?

Whittaker Creek Recreation Site does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Whittaker Creek Recreation Site have?

Whittaker Creek Recreation Site has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Whittaker Creek Recreation Site?

Yes, pets are allowed at Whittaker Creek Recreation Site. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Whittaker Creek Recreation Site?

Whittaker Creek Recreation Site offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Whittaker Creek Recreation Site?

Popular activities at Whittaker Creek Recreation Site include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Whittaker Creek Recreation Site

Q: Can I have a campfire at Whittaker Creek Recreation Site?

Fire policies at Whittaker Creek Recreation Site: Campfires are restricted to steel fire rings. Restrictions may apply during fire season; check advisories.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.39

219 reviews

Bureau of Land Management, Attn: Recreation Operations, 3106 Pierce Parkway, Suite E, Springfield, OR, 97477

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Forest Camping Oregon

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

358 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open season for rese...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

358 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open season for rese...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Whittaker Creek Recreation Site

$20.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $20 for tent-only sites to $40 for group tent sites. Extra camping vehicle fee of $5 applies. Payments can be made via cash or check...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$40.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(541) 683-6600BLM_OR_NO_Mail@blm.gov

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See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.39

Recommended

Based on 219 reviews

213 Google reviews

Most mentioned

location

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews highlight the campground as peaceful, family-friendly, and scenic. Positive feedback often mentions the helpfulness of camp hosts and the natural beauty, while common complaints include overgrown vegetation, maintenance issues, and occasional host behavior concerns."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Bureau of Land Management, Attn: Recreation Operations, 3106 Pierce Parkway, Suite E, Springfield, OR, 97477

Whittaker Creek Recreation Site

Bureau of Land Management, Attn: Recreation Operations, 3106 Pierce Parkway, Suite E, Springfield, OR, 97477

Nearby places

Springfield, OR (0 miles)

Eugene, OR (40 minutes drive)

Florence, OR (approximately 30 miles)

Nearby supplies

The nearest supplies, including groceries and camping essentials, can be found in Springfield, OR and Eugene, OR (40 minutes away).

Driving directionsFrom Eugene (valley): From Interstate 5 go west on Beltline Road to West 11th Avenue. Turn right onto West 11th Avenue (Highway OR-126). Follow Highway 126 about 29 miles to Siuslaw River Road just west of Walton. Turn left on Siuslaw River Road and follow about 1.6 miles to the intersection of Whittaker Creek Road. Turn right on Whittaker Creek Road crossing the bridge over the Siuslaw River. The main entrance to the recreation site is located on the right. From Florence (coast): Take Highway OR-126 east about 14 miles to Mapleton. Turn right and follow Highway 126 for about 12 miles to Siuslaw River Road. Turn right on Siuslaw River Road and follow about 1.6 miles to the intersection of Whittaker Creek Road. Turn right on Whittaker Creek Road crossing the bridge over the Siuslaw River. The main entrance to the recreation site is located on the right.

The campground is accessible via paved roads. Seasonal closures may apply to certain sites due to invasive species removal efforts. Some reviews mentioned road noise from the mountain road leading to the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Whittaker Creek Recreation Site

Summer is the prime window. Driest conditions, daytime highs around 65-80°F, nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. The creek is best for swimming then, and the camp host is active from mid-May through late September. Spring and fall bring cooler mornings near 40°F and daytime temps around 50°F, still fine for hiking but wetter. Winter sees salmon runs but also heavier rain and colder nights.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in OR

Peak season May–Sep; swimming, boating and sun-friendly activities are at their best.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 16, 2025 - September 28, 2025; May 22, 2026 - September 06, 2026. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season for reservations begins May 16 and ends September 28 for peak season.
Current Alerts: Sites 16-31 are temporarily closed for invasive species removal. Campground may have limited availability.

About Whittaker Creek Recreation Site

Whittaker Creek Recreation Site sits in Oregon's Coast Range with 30 tent-only campsites tucked under old-growth Douglas firs. Sites run $20-40 per night and include vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. The 2.5-mile Old Growth Ridge Trail starts at camp. No trailers. Narrow roads and small sites make this strictly a tent camping destination.

The campground is tent-only, with 30 individual sites and one accessible site. Group camping is also supported with a designated area.

Historical Significance

The Old Growth Ridge National Recreation Trail earned its designation in 1994 for its geological formations and rare plant species. Pioneer cemeteries nearby mark early settler history in the area.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the prime window. Driest conditions, daytime highs around 65-80°F, nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. The creek is best for swimming then, and the camp host is active from mid-May through late September. Spring and fall bring cooler mornings near 40°F and daytime temps around 50°F, still fine for hiking but wetter. Winter sees salmon runs but also heavier rain and colder nights.

ElevationNestled within the rolling contours of Oregon's Coast Range, this campground offers a gentle forest setting perfect for all skill levels.

Natural Features and SceneryAncient Douglas firs, some over 500 years old, form a canopy above the campground at 358 feet elevation. Whittaker Creek runs alongside the sites, and the surrounding Coast Range terrain climbs in steep ridges. Spring brings wildflowers to the forest floor. Fall and winter see Chinook and Coho salmon runs in the creek, with occasional steelhead trout. The setting is heavily shaded and secluded, though several reviews mention overgrown vegetation encroaching on sites.

Geological RegionWhittaker Creek Recreation Site showcases the dramatic beauty of Oregon's Coast Range, where ancient geological forces created a landscape of steep ridges climbing 1,000 feet toward the sky. This remarkable ecosystem, dominated by majestic old-growth Douglas firs, represents one of the last remaining examples of the primeval forests that once blanketed the Pacific Northwest. The nearby Siuslaw River corridor adds to the area's geological diversity, creating a unique blend of mountain and river ecosystems that support an extraordinary array of plant and animal life found nowhere else on Earth.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 11:00 AM local time.

Check-out

Check-out time ends at 10:00 AM local time.

Stay Limit

Camping stay limit is 14 days within a 28-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum guests per tent site is not explicitly stated.

Groups

Group tent areas are available. The sites accommodate multiple tents, but overgrowth and maintenance issues have been noted by users like Jodi R.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutFront and back loops with creek access. Sites range from small to large, all tent-only. Spacing and privacy depend on vegetation, which some campers found overgrown. Narrow access roads throughout.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov. Scan and Pay system available for select sites.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability exists for non-reserved sites but may be limited during peak seasons. Scan and Pay campground system applies.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are subject to a $10 fee. No refunds for Scan and Pay payments. Late cancellations (the day before arrival) incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fees.

AccessibilityThe site includes one accessible campsite and accessible vault toilets. However, user Keizer Konig noted the lack of wheelchair-accessible sites as a drawback.

Site SizeThe campsites range in size from small to large, as noted by user Steve Kittson. Sites are generally suited for tent camping only and not recommended for trailers.

PrivacySome campsites offer good privacy due to natural foliage, as noted by user Erica Grogg, who appreciated the seclusion provided by the overgrowth.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesBring water shoes for creek exploration. Avoid sites 28-30 due to proximity to blackberry bushes. Use campsites with creek access for enhanced experience.

Need help booking Whittaker Creek Recreation Site?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Whittaker Creek Recreation Site include camping, hiking, swimming, and fishing in the Siuslaw River. The site also supports activities like photography, hunting, and nature study. Seasonal highlights include observing spawning salmon and trout in the fall and winter.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include wildlife such as bears and falling trees. Bear spray and first aid kits are recommended.

Active AlertsSites 16-31 are temporarily closed for invasive species removal. Campground may have limited availability.

Fire PolicyCampfires are restricted to steel fire rings. Restrictions may apply during fire season; check advisories.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesSpringfield, OR, which is home to hospitals, police stations, and other emergency services.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection facilities are available. User Shannah P noted the presence of garbage service as a positive aspect.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to Whittaker Creek and features a small dam creating a swimming hole. Drift boat and canoe access to the Siuslaw River is available.

Camp HostHosts are generally friendly and helpful, with some reviews noting exceptional service, such as help with car jump-starts.

Weather at Whittaker Creek Recreation Site

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

219 reviews

Recommended

Whittaker Creek Recreation Site is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground as peaceful, family-friendly, and scenic. Positive feedback often mentions the helpfulness of camp hosts and the natural beauty, while common complaints include overgrown vegetation, maintenance issues, and occasional host behavior concerns.

Review Summaries

Based on 219 reviews

What Campers Love

"Camp hosts are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, with several users like Dorothy Shelton and Renee Moss sharing positive experiences. The secluded location, wildlife, and recreational...

Based on 219 reviews

Common Concerns

"Overgrown vegetation and site maintenance are recurring issues, as mentioned by Kenneth H and Jodi R. Some users, like Heather D, reported unprofessional behavior by camp hosts, while others noted...

Based on 219 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Bring water shoes, air fresheners for the vault toilets, and sufficient supplies as there is no camp store, as suggested by users like Jacklynn M and Erica Grogg. Drive cautiously due to wildlife,...

Based on 219 reviews

Seasonal Insights

"Summer is the most popular season, with activities like swimming and fishing peaking. Fall and winter offer unique opportunities for observing spawning salmon and trout, but weather and site...

Based on 219 reviews

Camper Quotes

"'This is an amazing place to bring yourself, family, friends, or have a romantic time away.' (Dorothy Shelton). 'The peaceful vibe and wildlife are unmatched.' (Eileen F). 'It's a beautiful...

Based on 219 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

"Site 23 (Back Loop) is spacious and near the creek but overgrown (Jennifer B). Sites 28-30 (Back Loop) are poorly maintained and adjacent to blackberry bushes (Bess B). Group site #11 provides space...

Based on 219 reviews